Testimony of Healing July 21, 1906 Issue

I wish to express, however inadequately, my acknowledgment...

Kate L. Forth

I wish to express, however inadequately, my acknowledgment of benefits received through the study of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. The early spring of 1903 found me a very sick woman, not having been out of the house for seven weeks; I was slowly recovering from a more than usually severe attack of ills that had burdened my life for over twenty years. I speak of bronchitis and asthma; these, combined with heart trouble and dyspepsia, gave me always such a feeling of intense weariness, that at the best of times every little duty seemed a trouble. I was in this condition when a friend called upon me with a lady, who proved to be a Christian Scientist. At this time I knew nothing whatever of Christian Science, and having been a member of an orthodox church for many years, I was deeply imbued with creed and theological dogma. It seemed to me that the claims of Christian Science, as voiced by this exponent, were irreverent. I am ashamed to say that I did not hesitate to express myself in forceful language. The antagonistic remarks of myself and friend were, however, received by the Scientist in such a kindly spirit that I could but acknowledge to myself that my religion would not have stood the strain in like manner.

Upon the departure of my visitors it came to my thought that I had been acting like one of the "foolish women," in criticising something of which I had no knowledge whatever, not having read one line of the authorized publications, and the inward monitor said, "Beware lest ye be found fighting against God;" consequently, when this new friend called again some few weeks later, bringing a copy of Science and Health with the request that I would read it, I felt that I owed it to both her and myself to do so, though I had misgivings, fearing it might teach something dishonoring to God. I opened the book with an earnest prayer that if it were the truth, God would reveal it to me, and if not that He would keep me from the teaching. I then determined to read with an open mind, assured that my prayer would be answered.

I think I knew before reaching the bottom of the first page of the introduction, that it was truth. I read many hours that first day, and at its close was so convinced that the book contained the truth, that I set aside all the drugs I was then taking by the doctor's prescription, one of them being a powerful heart tonic, determined to have no more false gods. Since that memorable hour, nothing in the form of material remedies had been used by me. I read on and on the next two days, for the book absorbed me. As I was about to start reading on the fourth morning, it suddenly dawned upon me that I was feeling quite well. I was amazed, almost bewildered, and cried out, "Why, God had healed me!" and so it was, and I have remained healed. God had indeed answered my prayer to know the truth, and the truth had set me free. From that moment I have been enabled to go about and do things like other people, and am stronger than I remember ever to have been. I eat anything that is set before me, and can climb stairs, a thing prohibited for many years. The joy of freedom from the intense weariness can only be fully understood by those who have had a like experience.

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